it. >> a screen flashed up with a warning that says you have no access to your server. >> reporter: steve says a hacker took over his computer, freezing two programs he uses to track sales and special orders. >> we have hijacked the files, changed the file extension. we have changed your password. there's no possibility of accessing this data. >> reporter: but the crooks were kind enough to offer two options. either spend years trying to recode their hack or gain control for a price. >> $3,000 immediately and $1,000 every week you fail to comply. >> we are seeing a dramatic increase. >> is it profitable. >> very profitable. folks that do it can make 50, 60 thousand dollars a day by hitti hitting couple of countries. >> mcafee says it is successful because the ransom note looks like an official notice from the fbi accusing you of a crime. >> they try to scare you. you have inappropriate content, stolen content and child pornography. even if they haven't done it, it scares people. to think that fbi found child pornography on your computer scares people. >> and that's why they pay up. >> tha